Sep 16 - Fairland Cemetery Tour

Join us on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. for a Fairland Cemetery Historical Walking Tour!

“Meet” Fairland residents of long ago as Donna Dennison, Genealogy Dept. Head, Shelby County Public Library, leads us on a walking tour of the Fairland Cemetery. Visit some of the graves of the many interesting people buried here. Please dress appropriately for the weather & walking terrain. This event is free & open to the public; donations accepted.

Location: Fairland Cemetery, 4430 N 400 W, Fairland, Indiana.

Events are supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation.

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Train Wreck in Fairland, Nov 1961

On Sunday morning, 5 Nov 1961, Fairland residents were awakened by a 28-train car derailment in the heart of town. The 161-car freight train was en route from Indianapolis to Cincinnati on the New York Central line with 1 loaded & 160 empty cars. The journal box broke on the car that was loaded with steel scrap which led to the derailment. Newspapers across Indiana reported the story. No one was injured, but Bertha Hasler, age 80, was quoted with her description of the loud crash as some of the train cars landed 15 feet from her house. A tool shed & utility poles were smashed. A crew of 20 with 2 wreckers had the site cleared by Monday. We thank Richard "Dick" Thurston for photographing & documenting the scene and his family for sharing the photos! If you have photos of interest, please consider sharing them with the Fairland Historical Society.

2025 Events Announced by Fairland Historical Society

The Fairland Historical Society of Shelby County, Indiana announces events for 2025. Thanks to our partners who help to provide locations throughout the community. These events are supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation. March 5 , 7 p.m. Newspapers of the Late 1800s: Local News & Gossip Donna Dennison, Genealogy Dept. Head, Shelby County Public Library, portrays Gabby as she reads the local newspapers from the late 1800s. What stories will she share? What have the locals been up to? Join us for an evening of fun & history as we kick off our 2025 events! This event is free & open to the public; donations accepted. Fairland Town Hall, 105 S Walnut St, Fairland April 9 , 5:30 p.m. Doors open, Tour museum; 6:30 p.m. Presentation Stories & Symbolism in Cemeteries Tour the Grover Center’s exhibit about Shelby County cemeteries. Then, Sarah Richardt, Grover Center Executive Director, will highlight the stories & symb...

July 20: Photo Scanning Event

Do you have old photos of Fairland, Moral or Brandywine Township (before 1965)? The Fairland Historical Society is hosting an Open House on July 20, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Fairland Town Hall, 105 S Walnut St. We want to preserve Fairland, Brandywine & Moral Township history by scanning photos. Bring your photos for us to scan & save. We are especially interested in photos of buildings, schools, farms, work, transportation, & leisure activities. We will scan the photos, and then you will keep them. Even if you don't have photos, talk with us & share your stories & memories of the Fairland, Indiana area. This is an open house-style event, and you do not need to stay for the entire time.

Fairland, Indiana History

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